Israeli Ramadan Gift Triggers Row

By A.R. Gomda

By A.R. Gomda



Sheikh Umar, third from left and others, listening to the envoy during the presentation

A presentation of four bags of rice and an equal quantity of sugar from the Israeli Mission to a section of the Islamic community in Accra has triggered a row.

Most of the Muslim youth, who have jumped into the fray, are trading accusations and lamenting on social media platform.

Some of them are questioning the sense in going for what they described as a pittance from the mission of a country, whose military are killing Muslims in Palestine.

The National Chief Imam Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, in a brief but critical interview with DAILY GUIDE, yesterday denied knowing anything about the mission to the Israeli Embassy, let alone the presentation of gifts.

He said, ‘I am not aware of any such mission to the Israeli Embassy, let alone the receipt of some donations,’ he said, adding that ‘I did not send anybody to represent me at the said engagement.’

Some concerned Muslims think that they have been let down by their leaders, who failed to be circumspect before receiving the gifts.

One of the concerned persons, Abdul Fatau Akinyele posted on the platform that ‘if this is how our leaders will carry themselves about, just following anybody anyhow and not doing serious consultation and prudent check, then we are doomed.’

Some of the concerned persons are proposing that the items be returned to the mission, given the confusion and disagreement, which have erupted over them.

Some people have defended the Chief Imam of the Ahlunsunna Wal Jamaa Sheikh Hajj Umar Imam, the clergy who received the items.

They claimed he did not know what the mission to the Israeli entailed and that he was deceived by those who organized the trip.

Some personalities, who have been accused of organizing the mission and donation, details of which we are withholding, have also been responding to the charges being leveled against them.

It would be recalled that the Israeli Ambassador to Ghana, Sharon Bar-li, donated food items to the Al Sunna Wa’al Jammat society in Ghana to enable them go through this period of Ramadan.

The envoy said the items, which included four bags of rice and four bags of sugar, were in recognition of three years of strong friendship that exists between the people of Israel and Ghana.

Ms Barli, in a speech read on her behalf by the Israeli Deputy Ambassador in Ghana, said in light of the current economic and financial crisis, it was prudent to extend their support to the Muslim fraternity.

‘I trust that during this period of fasting, the blessings of Allah shall overflow the Muslim community in the country under your great leadership,’ she said.

Sheikh Hajj Umar Imam, National Imam Al Sunna Wa’al Jammat, who received the items, commended the Ambassador and the people of Israel for extending their support.

He however prayed for peace and security in the country and the Middle East, particularly where there are challenges.

By A.R. Gomda
 

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